NDA pilots Certified Demolition Supervisor test

The National Demolition Association (NDA) has launched a beta test for the Certified Demolition Supervisor (CDS) certification, which it says is a first-of-its-kind designation within the demolition industry.

“Each year, the demolition industry in North America loses some of its most senior field supervisors to retirement,” NDA President James Milburn says. “This, combined with a general shortage of workers, has created a need for owners, insurance companies and employers to have a way to validate field supervision experience in a more unified way. The CDS certification will allow demolition professionals to elevate themselves, their employers and the demolition industry as a whole by formalizing our minimum requirements to be considered a competent and professional demolition supervisor.”

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Washington-based NDA has 61 volunteers slated to take the beta test pass/fail exam, a remotely proctored test that will be completed by mid-October. The purpose of the certification is to upskill industry professionals and raise the bar in the industry while addressing the skills gap.

“The CDS certification is the most comprehensive demolition certification in the industry, designed to help demolition professionals advance their careers and demolition companies gain a competitive edge in the bidding process,” says TRM Demolition’s Peter Banks, chair of the NDA’s Certification Board.

NDA’s CDS certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated competence in all aspects of demolition, including safety, environment, operations and people management. Each CDS is accountable for all aspects of a demolition project site, from planning and permitting to execution and cleanup. This designation promotes safe, quality practice through its ongoing requirements for professional growth in the demolition industry.

The CDS certification will help industry professionals gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed as a demolition supervisor, stand out from the competition and get ahead in their careers and demonstrate their commitment to safety and environmental stewardship.

Additional testing and application windows will open this fall and NDA encourages demolition contractors to consider sending staff and colleagues to take an upcoming exam.

“The certification will change the face of the industry in North America and will soon become a must-have for project owners, municipalities and general contractors when prequalifying demolition contractors and evaluating proposals,” Milburn says.